Trani

A day in Trani — Between famous landmarks and hidden gems

Cultura

The medieval heart of Trani still bears the imprint of Frederick II and the Knights Templar, offering a truly unique and captivating experience.

Its bond with the sea remains ever alive, as testified by Svevo Castle, whose moat could once again welcome the waters of the Adriatic.

From the Castle, you can easily reach the Cathedral — a luminous presence majestically facing the sea.

Venturing deeper into the narrow alleys of the Old Town, you will arrive at the Romanesque Church of Ognissanti, the historic departure point of the Knights Templar.

At sunset, a stop at the port is an absolute must — savoring the fresh fish market stalls before strolling along the enchanting seafront and reaching the Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria di Colonna. A truly magical place: legend has it that a crucifix, stolen by pirates, began to bleed miraculously. In memory of this extraordinary event, every year on May 3rd, a deeply felt and eagerly awaited procession takes place throughout the town. Inside the monastery church, a precious pure gold altar has been preserved — a gift from Cosimo III de' Medici.

Christianity, Judaism, Islam: peaceful coexistence is possible.

Here, within the intimate boundaries of the Old Town, you may find yourself dazzled by the splendor of the Cathedral, or drawn into the centuries-long story of the Jewish presence in Trani — visiting the Sinagoga Museum of Sant'Anna (also known as the Grand Synagogue) and Scolanova Synagogue (1244), the oldest synagogue in Italy still in use.

Inside the small Longobard Church of San Martino, the Romanian community celebrates Orthodox liturgy, while just a short distance away, the call to prayer can be heard rising from the Mosque on Via Romito.

0.38 km

Total distance

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Swabian Castle of Trani

The Castello Svevo di Trani is one of the most imposing castles in Puglia, an extraordinary example of medieval military architecture. Built in the 13th century by order of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, the castle stands majestically over the Adriatic Sea, overlooking the town's harbour.

Its structure, characterised by massive towers and an internal courtyard, was designed to withstand sieges and ensure the defence of this stretch of coastline.

Today, the Castello Svevo is an important cultural centre that hosts art exhibitions, historical events and cultural gatherings, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Guided tours offer the opportunity to explore the historic halls and the ramparts, providing a fascinating journey through Trani's medieval history. From the top of the towers, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and the sea, making the castle an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Trani.

The castle comes back to life with the historical reenactment of the wedding between King Manfred, the favourite son of Frederick II, and Helena of Epirus. A fairy-tale event that tells the story of an overwhelming love, with numerous performers arriving from all over Puglia to turn back the clock to 1259. The reenactment, featuring displays by drummers and flag-bearers, recounts the ill-fated love story of Manfred and Helena, and concludes with the spectacular "Incendio al Castello" (Castle on Fire) — a dazzling display of lights and fireworks that has captivated and enchanted audiences for over ten years.

DEPARTURE

Cathedral of Trani

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Cattedrale di Trani, is one of the most extraordinary examples of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Set in a dramatic location overlooking the sea, it was built between the late 11th and 13th centuries, on the site of an earlier early Christian building. Constructed from local limestone, its luminous façade is adorned with an elegant rose window and a bronze portal created by Barisano da Trani in 1175.

The building is further enhanced by an imposing 14th-century bell tower and a pointed arch connecting it to the nave — a rare architectural solution for the period. The interior, divided into three aisles, preserves precious medieval features, including the crypts of San Nicola Pellegrino and Santa Maria, and the hypogeum of San Leucio. Fragments of mosaics and frescoes hint at the building's former splendour.

Today, the cathedral stands as a symbol of the town and an essential stop for anyone visiting Trani, where art, spirituality and the timeless allure of the sea come together.

0.38 km
5m

Nearby points of interest

Let yourself be inspired by the authentic flavors of Puglia Federiciana. From the delights of the oil mills to the fresh cheeses of the dairies, to the finest wines and liqueurs, every experience will give you a unique journey between tradition and taste.